In this carefully curated selection, of the Best Scope for 308 Under $500, you’ll discover optics that strike the perfect balance between cost-effectiveness and top-notch features, ensuring that every shot with your .308 is a precision-guided experience. From versatile magnification ranges to durable construction, these scopes are tailored to meet the demands of both seasoned marksmen and avid hunters.
How Far Can a 308 Rifle Shoot?
Generally, a skilled marksman can achieve accurate shots at distances up to 800 to 1,000 yards. However, the bullet trajectory, wind conditions, and other environmental factors significantly impact the rifle’s performance at extended ranges.
How Accurate is The 308?
The .308 Winchester is renowned for its accuracy and versatility, making it a popular choice among shooters for both hunting and precision shooting applications.
It is known for its consistent and predictable trajectory, the .308 offers excellent accuracy up to moderate distances. Bolt-action rifles chambered in .308, equipped with quality barrels and optics, can achieve sub-MOA (Minute of Angle) accuracy, meaning groups of shots can be contained within a one-inch circle at 100 yards.
How to Choose The Best Scope for 308 Under $500
Here are several key factors to ensure a balance between quality and affordability.
- Magnification Range: Look for a scope with a versatile magnification range suitable for your intended use. For .308 rifles, a magnification range of 3-9x or 4-12x is often a good balance for general-purpose applications.
- Objective Lens Size: A larger objective lens allows more light to enter the scope, thus providing a brighter image. However, it also increases the overall size and weight. A 40-50mm objective lens is typically sufficient for a .308 rifle.
- Durability: Opt for scopes with robust construction, shockproof and waterproof features. The scope should withstand the recoil of a .308 rifle and perform well in various weather conditions.
- Lens Coating: Scopes with Multi-coated or fully multi-coated lenses enhance light transmission, and image clarity, and reduce glare. Quality optics contribute significantly to a scope’s overall performance.
- Brand Reputation: Always stick to reputable brands known for producing reliable and durable optics. Check customer reviews and expert opinions to gauge the scope’s performance and durability.
Best Scope for 308 Under $500
1) Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10x40mm Riflescope
Pros
First, is the Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10x40mm Rifle Scope. It is a premium optic designed for versatility and optical clarity.
It is built to be durable and capable of handling recoil from various firearms. It is constructed to be waterproof and fog-proof, ensuring its performance in harsh environmental conditions.
One of the standout features of the VX-3i is its Twilight Max Light Management System. The feature optimizes light transmission across the entire visible spectrum, thus providing shooters with a bright and clear sight picture even in low-light conditions
Also has user-friendly controls and tactile adjustments. The finger-click adjustments for windage and elevation make it easy to dial in your shots quickly and precisely.
In addition, has a 40mm objective lens that allows for good light transmission, providing a bright and clear sight picture even in low-light conditions, and optics that are fully multi-coated to minimize glare and deliver sharp and high-contrast images.
Key Features
- Magnification: 3.5 – 10 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 40 mm
- Tube Diameter: 1 in
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 4 – 11.43 mm
- Field of View, Linear: 11 – 29.9 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 4.4 – 3.6 inches
- Weight: 12.6 oz
- Length: 12.6 inches
2) Vortex Viper HST 6-24x50mm Rifle Scope
Pros
The Vortex Viper HST 6-24x50mm rifle scope is a high-quality optic designed for long-range precision shooting and hunting applications.
It is built on a durable 30mm tube, which ensures a robust and reliable platform for shooters. The larger tube diameter allows for increased elevation and windage adjustments, crucial for dialing in accuracy at extended distances.
Features a CRS (Customizable Rotational Stop) zero stop system, enabling shooters to quickly return to their zero settings after making elevation adjustments.
Fully multi-coated, therefore providing excellent light transmission, color fidelity, and image clarity. The XD (Extra-Low Dispersion) glass elements also reduce chromatic aberration, contributing to sharp and high-contrast images.
Key Features
- Magnification: 6 – 24 x
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 2.08 – 8.3 mm
- Illumination Color: None
- Finish: Hard Anodized
- Field of View, Linear: 5.1 – 17.8 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 4 in
- Color: Black
- Weight: 22.6 oz
- Length: 15.5 in
- Parallax: 50 yds to infinity
- Illumination Type: Non-Illuminated
- Fabric/Material: Aircraft Grade Aluminum
- Height: 2.26 in
3) Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
Pros
The Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm rifle scope is our nest pick, which is a versatile and high-quality optic designed for a wide range of shooting applications.
It has optical clarity. The scope has high-quality lenses that deliver bright, sharp, and clear images, even in challenging lighting conditions.
With a versatile magnification range of 3-9x and a 40mm objective lens, the scope provides a balanced, flexible zoom capability suitable for various shooting distances.
Built to withstand the rigors of the field. It is made from aircraft-grade aluminum, which not only makes it lightweight but also ensures that it can handle recoil and tough outdoor conditions.
Also, the scope features a simple and intuitive design, with easy-to-use controls for adjusting both windage and elevation.
In addition, the tactile and audible click adjustments make zeroing in the scope straightforward, allowing shooters to make precise changes on the fly.
Key Features
- Magnification: 3 – 9 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 40 mm
- Tube Diameter: 1 in
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 4.7 mm
- Illumination Color: None
- Finish: Matte
- Field of View, Linear: 33.1 – 13.6 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 4.2 – 3.7 in
- Color: Black
- Weight: 12.2 oz
- Length: 12.39 in
- Adjustment Type: MOA
- Parallax: Fixed
4) Vortex Crossfire II AO 6-24x50mm Rifle Scope
Pros
The Vortex Crossfire II AO 6-24x50mm is a feature-packed rifle scope designed to meet the needs of both long-range shooters and hunters.
Has a magnification range from 6x to 24x and a large 50mm objective lens, this scope provides a high level of versatility, making it suitable for various shooting applications.
Features an Adjustable Objective (AO) that allows shooters to focus the image and eliminate parallax at different distances. This is particularly useful for precision shooting and long-range engagements, providing clear and crisp images by adjusting the objective lens.
The rugged construction ensures it can handle recoil and tough environmental conditions. O-ring seals make it waterproof, and the nitrogen-purged tube prevents internal fogging, ensuring consistent performance in adverse weather.
Key Features
- Magnification: 6 – 24 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
- Reticle: Dead-Hold BDC
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 2.08 – 8.3 mm
- Illumination Color: None
- Finish: Hard Anodized
- Field of View, Linear: 4.4 – 17.3 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 4 in
- Color: Black
- Weight: 23.6 oz
- Adjustment Click Value: 1/4 MOA
- Length: 14.5 in
- Adjustment Type: MOA
- Parallax: 10 yds to infinity
- Illumination Type: Non-Illuminated
- Width: 4.5 in
5) Vortex Diamondback 4-12x40mm Rifle Scope
Pros
Last but not least we have the Vortex Diamondback 4-12x40mm rifle scope, with its 1-inch tube and second focal plane design, which is a versatile optic engineered for a wide range of shooting applications.
It features the Dead-Hold BDC (DBK-04-BDC) reticle, It is equipped with a specialized reticle design for bullet drop compensation, thus making it particularly useful for long-range shooting.
Has a 4-12x magnification range that provides flexibility, thus allowing users to acquire targets at moderate distances and zoom in for more detailed and precise shots.
It is known for its commitment to quality, Vortex optics often include fully multi-coated lenses for improved light transmission and anti-reflective properties. The scope is designed with a fast-focus eyepiece for quick and easy reticle focusing, providing a user-friendly experience.
The second focal plane design means that the reticle size remains constant throughout the magnification range, ensuring that the holdover points on the BDC reticle remain accurate at the highest magnification.
Key Features
- Magnification: 4 – 12 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 40 mm
- Reticle: Dead-Hold BDC
- Tube Diameter: 1 in
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 3.3 – 10 mm
- Illumination Color: None
- Finish: Hard Anodized
- Field of View, Linear: 11.3 – 32.4 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 3.1 – 3.4 in
- Color: Black
- Weight: 14.6 oz
- Adjustment Click Value: 1/4 MOA
- Length: 11.9 in
- Adjustment Type: MOA
- Parallax: 100 yds
- Illumination Type: Non-Illuminated
- Width: 2.38 in
FAQS
Q: Can reputable brands offer scopes under $500 for .308 rifles?
A: Yes, reputable brands like Vortex and Leupold offer scopes under $500 suitable for .308 rifles. It’s essential to research and read reviews to find a scope that meets specific requirements within the budget.
Q: What are some specific models within the $500 budget range for a .308 scope?
A: Models to consider include the Vortex Diamondback, Vortex Crossfire, and Leupold VX-Freedom. Shopping around, comparing features, and reading reviews can help find the best scope within the budget.
Parting Shot
With a myriad of options that seamlessly blend affordability and top-tier features, you’re on the brink of discovering a scope that not only meets but exceeds your expectations.
From rugged durability to crystal-clear optics, each model in this selection is a testament to precision and performance.
So, as you continue to explore the possibilities within your budget, rest assured that the world of quality scopes for your .308 awaits, promising a thrilling combination of value and functionality that will elevate your shooting experience without compromising your wallet.
Also Check Out: 6 Best Budget Scopes for 308